Published: October 31, 2009 06:58 pm      

A True Public Servant: Kaiser was a charter member of Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast committee

In 1969 New Albany Mayor Garnett Inman approached Bill Kaiser and asked him to be on a new committee he was forming. The committee’s job — to organize a Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast.

“He asked and I accepted,” Kaiser said with a smile. “We knew each other. He sold me insurance.”

Kaiser, 83, didn’t know at the time he was accepting a lifetime appointment. But that is what it has turned out to be.

For the past 41 years, Kaiser has been a member of the Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast Committee. The mayors have come and gone, but not Kaiser. He has served seven mayors, and has done it for two simple reason — his love for both the community and the event.

“Bill is a treasure,” said Floyd County Clerk Linda Moeller, who is also a member of the committee. “His memories of all the speakers we’ve had are amazing.”

Kaiser — who began his career in the banking business in 1954 at First Federal Savings and Loan Association of New Albany where he served as president and chairman of the board during his career — has never been a stranger to community service. He has served on numerous boards including being a charter member of Harvest Homecoming, Inc. and a former president of the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce. But no matter how busy he was, or who was sitting in the mayor’s seat, he has never missed being part of the annual prayer breakfast.

“They knew I couldn’t say no,” he said. “I just felt like it was something I should get involved in. I think it is something the community should get involved with. It’s an ecumenical event and it brings the whole community together.”

Kaiser, a 1944 graduate of New Albany High School and a 1947 Notre Dame graduate, has worked with numerous committee members over the past four decades, including Rev. Wilson Waters, who was also a charter member of the committee. Waters died recently, but before getting sick, participated in the 40th mayor’s prayer breakfast last year.

“They are both super people. It’s amazing how active Bill has stayed in it,” Moeller said.

Kaiser is hoping the 41st Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast will attract a large crowd. Patrick Henry Hughes — who gained recognition from playing in the University of Louisville marching band with the help of his father, and from his family being featured on “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” will be the guest speaker. Hughes is both blind and physically disabled,

“I think he will bring a crowd. I think the name recognition will help,” Kaiser said. “His dad is a great example to others with what he has done for his son.”

Kaiser jokes about his longevity on the committee, but said he has enjoyed his time working on and attending the prayer breakfast. He said he hopes to be around for the 42nd annual event next year.

“I’m proud of it,” he said. “I wish more people attended.”